How do you factor #3x^2 + 45x + 162#?
1 Answer
Jun 7, 2016
Explanation:
Find factors of 3 and 162 which ADD to 45.
45 is quite small compared to 162. This is an indication that we will need small factors of 162.
There are a few options which come to mind:
54 x 3 (54 is already too big)
27 x 6 is possible
18 x 9 is possible
The chosen factors have to be combined with 3 x 1 to give a sum of 45.
27 x 3 is too big
18 x 3 is too big
3 x 6 + 1 x 27 = 18 = 27 = 45. BINGO!
